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24 papers
The study heated Cannabis sativa extracts at 80, 95, 110, 130, and 145 °C for up to 60 minutes and measured acidic and neutral cannabinoids with an advanced UHPSFC/PDA‑MS lab method. Concentrations changed in an exponential way, which fits a first‑order (or pseudo‑first‑order) reaction model. The team calculated rate constants…
This review explains how the mushroom drugs psilocybin and psilocin are broken down in the body. Psilocybin is mainly a pro-drug that enzymes convert into the active compound psilocin. Psilocin is then further changed, and the main substance found in urine is psilocin-O-glucuronide, which matters for clinical and forensic testing.…
This report describes 33 open-label treatments with the alkaloid ibogaine given for acute heroin withdrawal in non-medical settings. In 25 of the 33 people, visible signs of opioid withdrawal stopped within 24 hours and stayed absent during 72 hours of observation. The authors note the results are from uncontrolled, non-clinical…
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 25 healthy volunteers each took a single 100 mg dose of MDMA or placebo (one week apart) while their brains were scanned. MDMA produced clear increases in positive mood and caused localized decreases in blood flow in parts of the right medial temporal lobe (including…
The damaging effects of Ecstasy/MDMA are far more widespread than was realized a few years ago, with new neuropsychobiological deficits still emerging.
Researchers reviewed studies of drugs that act on serotonin (so-called serotonergic psychedelics) and MDMA. They found that harms and bad reactions are not clearly defined in these studies and are probably reported less often than they actually happen. Some intense or frightening experiences during treatment might help people heal, but…
This review explains the fast-growing problem of so-called "legal highs", which are better called novel psychoactive substances or NPS. Unknown labs keep making slightly different chemicals to avoid bans, and this led to about 80 new substances being spotted in one year. The paper groups these drugs into five main…
Cannabis makes more than 120 “minor” cannabinoids that appear in smaller amounts than THC and CBD and come from a parent compound called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Early lab and clinical work shows these minor cannabinoids can activate or block many biological targets (for example CB1 and CB2 receptors, TRP channels,…
There is a large body of research but no clear answer about cannabis safety and benefits. More than 60 systematic reviews exist, yet findings are mixed because studies use different methods and cannabis products vary a lot. Research shows short- and long-term effects on the heart, lungs, immune system, sleep,…
This review says that the main active part of cannabis, THC, acts at the brain's CB1 receptor to produce rewarding effects, reinforce smoking, and can lead to dependence and withdrawal. Evidence comes from animal and human studies. Higher THC strength raises blood THC levels and may raise the chance of…
This review explains how the main cannabis chemicals, especially THC and CBD, act in the body and how the body absorbs and breaks them down. THC and CBD bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the brain and other organs. Inhaling THC delivers it to blood and brain fast…
This paper reviews research on using psychedelic drugs to treat addiction. The authors say scientific and medical interest has grown a lot in the last ten years and that early evidence is starting to show these treatments can be safe and may help with psychiatric problems including addiction. The review…
